The United States War Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has publicly commended the Nigerian government
Abuja, Nigeria — The United States War Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has publicly commended the Nigerian government for its cooperation in a Christmas Day counter-terrorism operation that targeted Islamic State (IS) fighters in parts of north-west Nigeria.
War secretary Hegseth’s remarks followed confirmation that U.S. airstrikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian security authorities, marking a significant moment in the ongoing US-Nigeria security partnership against terrorism.
According to reports, the operation was executed on December 25, with U.S. forces striking Islamic State positions responsible for violent attacks and insecurity in the region. The operation, U.S. officials said, was aimed at degrading the operational capacity of extremist groups threatening civilians.
Speaking on the development, Hegseth expressed appreciation to Nigerian authorities for intelligence sharing, logistical coordination, and strategic cooperation, describing the partnership as vital to global counter-terrorism efforts.
“We appreciate Nigeria’s cooperation and commitment in confronting terrorist threats,” the U.S. War Secretary said, stressing that collaboration remains critical in dismantling extremist networks.
Nigeria Confirms Coordination With US
The Federal Government of Nigeria has also confirmed that the airstrikes were not unilateral, insisting that the operation was conducted with Abuja’s knowledge and consent as part of a broader counter-terrorism framework between both countries.
Nigerian officials emphasized that the strikes were based on shared intelligence and targeted known terrorist camps, adding that the government remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty while leveraging international partnerships to tackle insecurity.
Mixed Reactions Trail US Airstrikes
The operation has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria, with some political figures and civil society groups raising concerns over national sovereignty, while others argue that international cooperation is necessary to curb the rising threat of terrorism, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions.
Security analysts say the Christmas Day operation signals a renewed phase of US engagement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism fight, especially amid growing concerns over the expansion of Islamic State-linked groups in West Africa.
Ongoing Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Both Nigeria and the United States have reiterated their commitment to sustained collaboration against terrorism, with officials indicating that further joint actions could follow if threats persist.
The Nigerian government maintains that all counter-terrorism efforts are focused on protecting civilians, restoring stability, and dismantling extremist networks, regardless of religious or ethnic considerations.
Read also Nigeria Confirms US Airstrikes on Islamic State Targets Were Coordinated With Abuja
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